Conservationists, Wis. DNR spar over land use

Conservationists who want to use land near Baraboo for quiet activity are angry that the state might use it for motorcycle trails or shooting ranges.

The property is the site of the now-defunct Badger Army Ammunition Plant. A Wisconsin State Journal report says a plan approved in 2001 called for the 7,300 acres to be used for activities such as agriculture, hiking and bird-watching.

But the state Department of Natural Resources says that plan was a "guidance document." DNR regional director Mark Aquino says the agency has to see whether conditions have changed in the past 12 years.

He says the final decision will be based in part on what activities are under-represented. For example, he says all-terrain vehicle riders have been pushing for more trails in southern Wisconsin.

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